Rory C. Keel also blogs at

Have you ever heard the old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me?” Sure you have, and you probably heard it the same time every one else heard it – After you were hurt by someone’s words. You see, this saying isn’t true! We only use it to try and sooth the pain and hurt that already exists. Did you ever tell a lie or say hurtful things about someone else, then when they’re clearly in pain you tried to “Fix it” by saying, “I was just kidding!” or “I really didn’t mean it!” –It’s too late, your words hurt them. The Bible says that words can be as hurtful as throwing a flammable substance on someone to burn them, or as deadly as shooting them. The Bible describes it this way, “As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?” Proverbs 26:18-19 The word of God teaches, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29 When you open your mouth to speak, you are the deliverer of words that can deliver pain and suffering or words that can build someone up!